“Ano religion mo?”
People ask me this a lot when they learn I’m vegan, especially here in the Philippines.
- I don't eat pig (like Muslims)
- I don't eat animal blood (like Iglesia ni Cristo)
- I don't eat any animal meat (like a Buddhist)
So ano ba talaga religion ko? 😅
People are so curious because they think that my choice to go vegan must come from a religion.
But the truth is, I stopped eating animals because one day, I realized… they want to live, too.
Religion in the Philippine Context
We are a deeply religious country. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority in the 2020 Census, about 78.8% of the household population identified as Roman Catholic. (Philippine Statistics Authority)
We're so religious that we're the only country in the whole world—aside from Vatican City—where divorce is still illegal. (Rappler)
I myself grew up in a deeply religious household and completed high school in a Catholic school. So yes — I know what “religion” looks and feels like for many Filipinos
So when I chose veganism, people naturally thought it was connected to my faith.
Veganism Isn't About Religion
At first, people were surprised. They thought not eating meat at all was hard, or extreme, or that I needed a special reason like religion to stick with it.
But for me, it felt natural.
When I saw that I could live well:
🐷 Without hurting others
🌎 Lessening my carbon footprint
🏃 Taking better care of my health
All at the same time.
Why wouldn't I choose that?
Also I realized—animals are special and they are all the reason I need to stop hurting them.
The Common Thread: Kindness
This is something I think we can all connect with.
Whatever religion we grew up with—Catholicism, Iglesia ni Cristo, Islam, Buddhism, or even if we don't follow one—there's always this common theme: kindness
Compassion. Treating others the way you want to be treated.
That's what veganism is for me: Living in kindness. Every day 🌞
It's not about following strict religious rules. It's about making choices that align with values most of us already believe in
- Not causing unnecessary harm
- Protecting the vulnerable
- Taking care of our world
What do you think: is kindness enough to stop hurting animals?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical or nutritional advice.
Sources:
https://psa.gov.ph/system/files/phcd/1_Press%20Release%20on%20Religious%20Affiliation_RML_01272023_FJRA_PMMJ_CRD-signed_0.pdf
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/divorce-still-illegal-philippines-january-2025